Stanford football fans, you have a mission. Bring the noise! That was a request from Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh as he addressed the “Council of Chiefs” today in the annual Big Game luncheon that was held at the Arrillaga Family Sports Center.
“Don’t just wait for third down,” Harbaugh said. “First down, second down, get loud.”
Harbaugh encouraged fans to bring noise makers. He told the story of how his mom would put change into an empty plastic bottle and use that.
Harbaugh said he expects an electric atmosphere at the 112th playing of the Big Game, like nothing that has been seen at Stanford in a long time. He knows there will be plenty of blue representing Cal in the crowd, but he looks forward to a sea of red and is hoping the home town crowd will shout down the opponents.
The “Council of Chiefs” rally featured lunch, a few players, and the Stanford band. The event was MC’d by the Bootleg’s Jim “Emeritus” Rutter.
Senior tackle Chris Marinelli was first to address the audience. He shared the success of the offensive line with the entire offensive unit. He said it was about 11 guys, plus those that come off the bench.
Senior safety Bo McNally made mention of his 2-0 record in Los Angeles against USC. It was pointed out to him how his game ending interceptions for both wins at USC looked so similar. He said it was pointed out to him by coaches in the film room as well.
Local hero, linebacker Will Powers from Serra high school, said that “Coming to Stanford was the best decision my mom ever made.”
And a very shy Andrew Luck answered questions about his success and the successes of the team. There was an audible gasp by a few who saw Luck slightly trip as he left the stage. Fortunately it turned into more of a laugh after the fact.
Alumni running back JJ Lasley was also on hand to address the crowd and tell stories of his great career. Lasley was undefeated against Cal in his career from 1989--1992.
Then it was Coach Harbaugh who talked up Stanford football. He talked about what a great year it has been. He talked about how proud he is of all his players. 26 players on the team are getting some sort of engineering degree, six are pre-med. He talked about Toby Gerhart who is taking 21 units this year and the week before the Oregon game, Gerhart was getting 3-4 hours a night writing papers and taking midterms. He followed that up by rushing for a school record 223 yards against the Ducks.
Harbaugh was thankful for his players, his coaches and the fans. But he was not chocking when he challenged the crowd. It is the Big Game, it is time to make some noise!
There will be plenty of people there to make some noise. The game is virtually sold out.
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